Fire hydrants get new locks for RNC

Tampa, Florida -- Nearly 500 fire hydrants in the downtown area have been given new brass locks to prevent anyone from tampering with them during the Republican National Convention.

The locks, which cost about $94,000, were installed over the past few weeks.

"[The locks will] ensure that the hydrants aren't being tempered with, which could result in pressure problems in the system and also could result in traffic problems as well as water quality problems," said city Water Department Director Brad Baird.

Officials say unlike the older hydrant caps which could be opened with a wrench, the new locks require a special tool.

The money for the new locks is coming from federal funds given to the city for hosting the GOP convention which is scheduled to begin on Aug. 27.